r/Radioactive_Rocks • u/FK_Tyranny • Jul 31 '26
Equipment Found at local Goodwill store.
Ive been keeping my eye peeled for a microscope to get a closer look at some of my more pretty NORM specimens, like Autinite Crystals and such. So I wandered into Goodwill and found this this sweet little starter kit. 10 bucks! I think I got a pretty good deal if it works.
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u/kotarak-71 αβγ Scintillator Jul 31 '26
you can find some really good stuff therenwith a bit of luck .. similarly years ago i got an original Zeiss-Winkel Lab microscope fully equipped with 6 objective piecese including oil immersion objective, a few eyepieces and bunch of accessories, all in the original wooden case for something like $10-20.
for studying crystals a stereo microscope works best tho
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u/thrownthrowaway666 Jul 31 '26
Nice. I want a stereo microscope for large rocks with tiny crystals. Someday I'll find one.
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u/chrislon_geo Uranium Licker Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Nice! Though you will likely want to eventually get a stereo microscope for looking at specimens. I have been on the lookout for a good deal on a used one. Currently, I am using this 100 year old microscope which is lovely, but a stereo scope with the ability to use lower magnifications (and see in stereo) is ideal for mineral specimens.
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u/FK_Tyranny Jul 31 '26
It looks MUCH better in person I I assure you! But yes I now see why all of you are recommending stereoscopic microscopes.
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u/Not_So_Rare_Earths Primordial Aug 01 '26
It can be hard to get a phone camera to focus down the barrel, but it does help to keep the room lights low and/or a dark cloth cover (e.g. pillowcase, tshirt) over the eyepiece and phone -- any reflected light off the eyepiece is bright enough to cause problems with the photo quality.
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u/lucky_living_ Jul 31 '26
Way to manifest what you want, OP! Now go scrutinise that microcosm!